OnePoland

I've been lucky enough to give birth four times now, but every time it's like first time - you don't really remember it that fully - after all, if you did remember all this pain that you had to go through, you would never really do it again!

Based on my personal experience, this is the list of essential stuff to pack for hospital maternity bag when having a new baby:

Baby sleepsuits – long sleeved with integral feet - forget newborn size – it won’t last more than few days, maybe a week – so aim to start with 0-3 months size. Also, forget fancy designs – plain white will be best – as long as it’s soft 100% cotton, as you’d be washing it a lot and most likely on high temperature, to get rid of the overflowing explosive poos. You don’t need more than 4-6 altogether – most of the time you’d have one or two in the wash, and you won’t be changing the baby more than once a day.  For the hospital – aim to pack 1-2 per the day of intended stay. Top tip – newborn babies are sick a lot after they’re born for the first 24 hours, and most likely won’t feed till they sick up the black poo-like stuff – if it goes on their clothes you’re most likely won’t be able to wash it out.  Hence save the fancy “Little Roo” outfits for those photo opportunities after a couple of days. Avoid any fancy tops + trousers or dresses/skirts combos – babies are not mini adults, they need comfortable overalls all-in-one clothes that won’t squash their little tummies or rise up/get in the way every time you want to pick them up and hold. Ditto they don’t need socks or booties to squash their little feet. For the first 3 months babies should sleep and spend their days in baby sleepsuits- obviously change to fresh in the morning, and another one for bed time – helps to set the routine.

Baby Vests  – short sleeved, depends on time of the year – you won’t need any in the summer, again 4-6 will be enough.

Baby Hat and mittens – these are only used for the first 24 hours, and you’d probably need two sets of mittens as you’re baby will get sick on them. Top tip – pack your first set of baby clothes that the midwife will put on them, into a separate bag that your partner can easily fish out when asked for it.

Baby cardigan – one for after the baby is born, one with a hood for taking baby home. (even if it’s summer a hood is needed to shield from wind).

Baby wipes – forget cotton wool and water – it will not shift that first sticky black poo – and you’d be there forever with screaming wriggly baby, who will probably poo again by the time you finish. Modern newborn baby wipes are as gentle as water.

Newborn baby nappies – don’t buy too many in size 1 as they may be too small really soon- you  can always buy more later once you know baby’s size. Use the free packs that come with Bounty Packs and baby clubs promotions when the baby is born first.

Nappy care cream – You’d probably get lots of sudocream in the trial sizes as part of Bounty or baby clubs promotions, but the only one I’d recommend is Bepanthen nappy care ointment. It really is the best at treating and preventing nappy rash – you only need to put a pea size on so the tube lasts forever.

Muslin clothes – at least a couple to help catch the baby sick when burping, or under their head when they’re laying down.

Terra/flannel clothes – used to line up the place like bed or mats when changing the baby and wiping baby bottom’s dry.

Baby bath towels  – with hood for the head, babies are no longer bathed in the hospital but you may want to take one just in case. Overall you need 2 as they tend to poo when not expected.

Maternity pads – at least 2 pack of ten, you can always get later afterwards. Supermarket own brands are just as good as any.

Nursing Maternity Bras and Nursing Bra Pads – you won’t need them till your milk comes in on day 3 so if you’re not staying in the hospital for long, leave them at home.  However, once you start breastfeeding, prepare to live and breathe in your bra 24-hours a day so invest in really comfy ones, at least 2 as you need a spare once one is in the wash. Mothercare has a good choice of maternity bras. Again, nothing fancy, plain cotton as you’d be washing it a lot as it gets covered in dribbles and milk. Disposable maternity bra pads, supermarket own brand, are the best, I found the washable ones too hard.

Nipple cream – chose one that does not need to be wipe off before breastfeeding. Personally, I swear by Avent Moisturising Nipple Cream. Even if you’re milk has not come in yet, apply it after each feed – if you don’t your nipples will become very sore and you will find breastfeeding very painful, even if your baby is latching on properly.

Nightgown – the most comfortable night wear – and dressing gown - forget pyjamas, as long as it’s got opening front for quick access for breastfeeding. Invest in new one for after the birth (it will make you feel better) but use loose old t-shirt that you don’t mind throwing away for the birth as it may get soiled.

Bath Towels  – and toiletries- for you – you’d have a shower after the birth and they’re bound to get bloody.

Maternity clothes – actually you don’t pack them but whatever you go into hospital when you go into labour, will be the same that you wear when you go back home. Especially the trousers will still fit you….